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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard 10 Jun 2002 Minutes Public0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 A meeting of the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board was held this evening at 133 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, Ontario, in the Board Room commencing at 6:40 p.m. with Trustee Jim Libbey in the chair and the following in attendance: Trustees Brian Gifford, Lynn Graham, Russ Jackson (by phone) Margaret Lange, Myrna Laurenceson, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, David Moen, Pam Morse, Lynn Scott and Joan Spice. Staff. Director of Education and Secretary of the Board, James Grieve; Superintendents Larry Archibald, Rose -Marie Batley, John Brennan, Michael Clarke, Judith Hoye, Dan Mason, Laura McAlister, Katharine Saunders, Judy Turriff and Bonnie Viney; Assistant Secretary of the Board, Joan Melancon; Manager of Communications, Maggie Melenhorst; Management, Policy and Planning Advisor, Janice Sargent; A/V Technician, Robert Giekes and Committee Coordinator, Bruce Fraser. Student Trustees: Kyle Marsh and Mike Sornberger As the Chair had not yet arrived, Trustee David Moen called the meeting to order. On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Laurenceson, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the items on the in camera agenda. Trustee Lynn Graham assumed the Chair in Committee and the Committee rose at 7:45 p.m. for a brief awards reception and presentation in public session. The Committee reconvened in camera at 8:30 p.m. and presented a report following the second and third in camera sessions (Board minute 259 -02 and 285 -02 refers). 253. Recognition of Student Trustees, Emma Cohen and Trevor Robinson Chair Libbey thanked Emma Cohen and Trevor Robinson for their work as Student Trustees for the year 2001 -02. He presented them with a plaque and noted that they would receive a cheque for $500 in recognition of their efforts in representing students at the Board table. 254. Introduction of New Student Trustees, Mike Somberger and Kyle Marsh Chair Libbey introduced and welcomed Mike Sornberger from Canterbury HS and Kyle Marsh from A.Y. Jackson SS as the Student Trustees for 2002 -03. 255. Recognition of Past Chair of OCASC, Gree Laws Chair Libbey thanked Greg Laws for his support and assistance as the Chair of the Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils ( OCASC) for 2001 -02. He presented Mr. Laws with a plaque in recognition of his service to the educational community. 256. Introduction of New Chair of OCASC, Rob Campbell Chair Libbey introduced and welcomed Rob Campbell, Chair of OCASC for 2002 -03. He noted that Mr. Campbell has previously served as Chair of the Hopewell Avenue Public School Council and as a member of the OCASC executive. 257. Report No. 16, Committee of the Whole (in camera) Trustee Graham presented Report No. 16, Committee of the Whole (in camera), and seconded the recommendation therein, viz: -212- 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD a) Appointment of Elementary and Secondary Principals MINUTES 10 June 2002 (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Graham) THAT the Board appoint Karen Lynch as an elementary school principal, and Martin Kleiman, Pamela Gemmell, France Thibault, Karen Gledhill and Gail Lyon as secondary school principals, on a one year probationary basis effective 1 September 2002. The recommendation was adopted by the Board. On behalf of the Board, Chair Libbey offered congratulations to all of the appointees. 258. Approval of Aeenda On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, the agenda was approved subject to the addition of, Confirmation of Minutes, 13 May and 14 May 2002, as well as an item regarding City Ward Boundaries to follow delegations. 259. Confirmation of Minutes, 13 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Gifford, the minutes of the 13 May 2002 Board meeting were confirmed, subject to the following revision on page 177: 9`I' paragraph; "In wrap -up, Trustee Graham noted that the revisions to the policy would encourage the advisory committee members to look to the community at large to recruit new members, rather than looking only to established community organizations for members." 260. Confirmation of Minutes, 14 Mav 2002 On a motion by Trustee Gifford, seconded by Trustee Laurenceson, the minutes of the 14 May 2002 Board meeting were confirmed as written. 261. Confirmation of Minutes 24 May 2002 (special) On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Graham, the minutes of the 24 May 2002 Board meeting were confirmed as written. 262. Confirmation of Minutes. 27 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Lange, the minutes of the 27 May 2002 Board meeting were confirmed as written. 263. Business Arising from the Minutes 13 May 2002 In response to a query by Trustee Graham, Director Grieve advised that the photographs of the awards recipients will be displayed as soon as possible. -213- 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 264. Business Arisine from the Minutes. 24 May 2002 (special) MINUTES 10 June 2002 Trustee Spice clarified that she had meant to abstain on Part D, not Part C, of the recommendation from the 23 May 2002 Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting. Trustee Scott questioned on what authority Chair Libbey wrote a letter to the Minister of Education requesting the establishment of a Working Committee to resolve the Board's current funding crisis. She noted that, while she supports the establishment of a committee, the letter represents a change in tone and substance from the Board's budget motion and that he should have requested input from Trustees. Trustee Libbey explained that while he had no direct authority, he felt that a quick reaction to the Minister's willingness to establish Working Committees such as the one with the Toronto District School Board was necessary. He noted that the Board had discussed this concept before and expressed the view that it was not contradictory to the Board's motion. Several Trustees expressed the view that the Chair, as the Board's spokesperson, was justified in sending the letter as the situation did require an immediate response. Some Trustees expressed the view that Board members should have had an opportunity to comment on the situation prior to the letter being sent. Trustee Libbey noted that the letter did not reverse any Budget decisions including the request for an investigation. He advised that Trustees' comments would be taken under consideration and that he would attempt to avoid this type of situation in the future. 265. Chair's Report Chair Libbey reported on the following "good news" items: Charles H. Hulse Public School and A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, are the winners of the Isis Officer Ethnocultural Equity Award, a new award being presented for the first time by the OCDSB and the Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity. Schools chosen annually for this award will each receive $500 and a special plaque for activities that promote anti - racism and ethnocultural equity in schools. Cedarview Middle School students took away the following national trophies in the Canadian Panasonic Kid Witness News Program competition: Best Video of the Year; Best Documentary; Best Writing and Videography; and Best Health Science and Technology awards for two videos entitled, "Atmospheric Threats" and "Manufacturing Polystyrene ". Andrew Fiori, an OAC student at Sir Robert Borden High School, placed first in Eastern Ontario in the Descartes Math Contest organized annually by the University of Waterloo. His marks -214- 0 M_J OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 earned him 17th place in Canada and helped the SRB team place 41st in Canada out of 1,016 schools. Alex Pickard, a grade 12 student also at Sir Robert High School, tied for 6th place in the Ontario Association of Physics Teachers (OAPT) competition held annually across Ontario. Torbolton PS students and staff explored the concept of multiple intelligence this year. Classes discussed what people in each intelligence area would enjoy doing, what could be done to develop that particular area, and different jobs suited to special aptitudes. Students acquired a deeper understanding of themselves and also gained an appreciation of each other's talents. Chair Libbey noted that the deficit budget has been filed with the Ministry and thanked staff for their efforts. To date, the Ministry has not contacted him with respect to the submission. Chair Libbey congratulated Director Grieve on his new position as the Director of Education with the Peel Board. He thanked the Director for his hard work over the last four years and noted his success in guiding the two former Boards through the challenges of the amalgamation process. Director Grieve thanked the Chair and commented that it is with mixed emotions that he is leaving the OCDSB. He noted that the Board has a great deal to be proud of and acknowledged the work of all staff throughout the system. He thanked the Board for the opportunity to learn, and to lead, as a member of the OCDSB team. 266. Director's Report Director Grieve reported the following "good news" items: Wende Collins, a teacher at West Carleton Secondary School, was chosen to receive a 2001 -2002 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for her outstanding teaching practices. A report on Exemplary Practices used by this year's winners will be shared with educators and school boards across Canada, and around the world via the Internet. Students at Roberta Bondar Public School raised over $2000 in aid of CHEO through their fund- raising efforts. Students were invited to present the cheque at the CHEO telethon, during the June 1 st weekend. Featherston Drive Public School has been awarded a $10,000 grant from McDonald's Corporation for a new playstructure. Special thanks go to Featherston's parents for their many hours of work in developing the grant proposal and also for contributing $7,000 toward this project. Director Grieve advised the Board of the retirements of four key members of senior staff, Superintendents Rose -Marie Batley, John Brennan, Dan Mason and Katharine Saunders. He thanked and congratulated them for their excellent work in support of the OCDSB and wished them well in all future endeavours. -215- 0 ML OTTAWA- CAUETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 267. Year -End Report from Student Trustees MINUTES 10 June 2002 Student Trustees Emma Cohen and Trevor Robinson reviewed a number of their activities during 2001 -02. They noted their involvement in Board and Committee meetings as well as various forums and their participation in the Ottawa- Carleton Student Presidents' Council. Student Trustee Cohen advised that they worked on behalf of all students and spent significant time on raising student awareness of their right to voice opinions on educational issues. Student Trustee Robinson noted the report on the condition of secondary schools included with the Board agenda. He advised that the student trustees had visited all of the Board's secondary schools and expressed the view that a number of them are in worse repair than Smith Falls Collegiate Institute which has received special funding for improvements. Student Trustees Robinson and Cohen thanked the Board and staff for their support during the year. On behalf of the Board, Chair Libbey thanked the student trustees for their help, insight and advice during the year. 268. Public Question Period Peggy Dean, Director, Beacon Learning Centre, asked if staff are aware of the impact of the closure of L.D. Billings PS on the Beacon Learning Centre. Director Grieve explained that staff is aware of the issues surrounding childcare, especially with respect to the Beacon Learning Centre. He submitted that the Board is dedicated to sustaining childcare services in the most effective manner while maintaining a balance with available resources. Superintendent Turriff noted that staff have worked with Trustee Moen on this issue and that a motion with respect to the Beacon Learning Centre is on the agenda. 269. Delegation, Nancy yers and Bronwyn Funicello, Ontario Association for Families of Children with Communication Disorders (OAFCCD) On behalf of OAFCCD, Nancy Myers and Bronwyn Funicello advised the Board of the importance of the management of language disorders and noted that communication disorders, ranging from hearing impairments to language disorders, affect 5% - 10% of the general population. Ms. Myers noted the importance of communication skills in the learning process and suggested that early intervention improves the results. She advised that children do not outgrow communication disorders and that continuous support from Speech Language Pathologists is required throughout the school years to improve a child's communication ability. Ms. Myers advised that researchers have become increasingly aware of the relationship between language disorders and behavioural disorders. She noted a study of five -year old children, which reported that 60% of students with language disorders also received a psychiatric diagnosis, compared to 12% of a control group. Ms. Myers submitted that speech and language services in the educational system should be expanded and that the ratio of Speech Language Pathologists to students should be improved. Chair Libbey thanked the delegation for their presentation. -216- 0 M,—j OTrAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 270. City Ward Boundaries MINUTES 10 June 2002 The Board had before it Report No. 02 -162, circulated at the meeting, providing information with respect to the proposed new City of Ottawa electoral ward boundaries for the 2003 elections. Janice Sargent introduced the report and noted that Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, Joan Melancon and she attended a briefing for school boards that afternoon regarding the proposed changes. Ms. Sargent advised that the reconfigurations will have significant implications for the OCDSB's current trustee zones and noted the short timeline available to draft a response to the proposed changes and make representation to the City's Corporate Services Committee if the Board wishes to do so. On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Moen, the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (Public) for 30 minutes or less to debate the issue. Trustee Graham assumed the Chair in Committee. Some trustees expressed concern with the merging of particular wards as the communities lack areas of common concern and priorities. The size of some zones will complicate campaign and fundraising strategies for some trustees. There was general agreement that the Board's concerns have been previously articulated to City staff and to the City Task Force that making representation to the City would make little difference. The proposed changes are designed to equalize the populations in councillor's wards and it would be difficult to accommodate the Board's concerns. Trustee Moen expressed the view that, while he agreed a presentation would have little impact the Board should make the City aware of the difficulties the changes will cause in order to be included as part of a future process. Trustee Spice expressed the view that additional data is required before the Board moves forward. Staff agreed to request current electoral information from the City. On a motion by Trustee Scott, the Committee returned to the Board meeting at 10:45 p.m. There were no recommendations from Committee of the Whole (Public). 271. Receipt of Report No. 7, Business Services Committee 8 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the Board received Report No. 7, Business Services Committee, dated 8 May 2002. The recommendations from the report had been dealt with at the 13 May Board meeting. 272. Receipt of Report, Committee of the Whole (School Closures ), 9 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the Board received Report, Committee of the Whole (School Closures), 9 May 2002. -217- 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 2002. MINUTES 10 June 2002 The recommendations from the report had been dealt with at a special Board meeting on 14 May 273. Receipt of Report No. 4, Human Resources Committee, 13 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, the Board received Report No. 4, Human Resources Committee, dated 13 May 2002. There were no recommendations in the report. 274. Report No. 6, Education Committee, 21 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Lange, seconded by Trustee Laurenceson, the Board received Report No. 6, Education Committee, dated 21 May 2002. Trustee Lange presented the report and seconded the recommendations therein, viz: a) Receipt of Report No. 6, Special Education Committee, 1 May 2002 (Motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Lange) THAT Report No. 6, Special Education Committee dated 1 May 2002 be received. b) Special Education Plan 2002/03 & 2003/04 (Motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Lange) A. THAT staff include in the 2002 -2003 work plan the revision of the Special Education Plan to bring it into full compliance with the requirements of the Ministry Of Education's Standards For School Board's Special Education Plans; B. THAT the OCDSB's Special Education Plan for 2003 -2004 address the standards in the same order as they are provided in the Ministry of Education's Standards For School Board's Special Education Plans to facilitate review by SEAC, Education Committee, the Board, and other interested parties; C. THAT staff be directed to ensure that: documents clearly reflect any difficulties the board is having in meeting the needs of its special education students; ii. where any description of approaches utilized are not applicable to all exceptionalities that this be clearly indicated, i.e., description of the referral process and its references to remediation are not applicable to gifted students. -218- 4 ML OTTAWA- CARLETON D`r"'CT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 D. THAT the draft document be presented to SEAC no later than its April 2003 meeting so that meaningful discussion of the document can occur at its May 2003 meeting In response to trustee queries, Superintendent Mason advised that staff had no difficulty with the recommendation and that there should not be any significant budget implications. C) Review of Processes for Identification of Gifted Students (Motion by Trustee Laurenceson, seconded by Trustee Lange) A. THAT, with respect to the Special Education Work Plan for 2002 -2003, staff consider the inclusion of a review and revision of the identification processes utilized by the OCDSB for identifying gifted children in light of the 2001 -09 -24 Special Education Tribunal Decision; and B. THAT staff work with the association for bright children (ABC) to bring forward, if possible, a joint recommendation on an appropriate process for the identification of gifted children. In response to a query, Superintendent Mason noted that a review of the identification process was not identified as a high priority by SEAC and that the current process was developed in consultation with the Association for Bright Children (ABC). In response to a query by Trustee Scott, Superintendent Mason noted that the current process is multi- faceted and was researched thoroughly during its development. Trustee Scott expressed the view that the recommendation is requesting a review that is not necessary. In response to a query, staff agreed to provide information with respect to the reduction in the number of students identified as gifted. Trustee Morse expressed the view that Part B of the motion directs staff to undertake work that has already been completed and that staff time could be more effectively utilized. A motion by Trustee Morse to delete Part B of the recommendation was defeated on a tie vote. On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the recommendation, regarding the process for the identification of gifted children, was referred to a future meeting of the Education Committee. d) System Course Calendar for Secondary Schools (Motion by Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Lange) THAT the OCDSB continue its practice of developing and distributing a system course calendar for all of its secondary schools for the 2003 -2004 academic year. -219- 0 ML OTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 Recommendations a), b) and d) were adopted by the Board. Recommendation c) was referred to a future meeting of the Education Committee. * * * * * * * * * * ** On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Lange, it was agreed to continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * ** 275. Report No. 8, Business Services Committee (Special) 16 May 2002 On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the Board received Report No. 8, Business Services Committee (Special) dated 16 May 2002. Trustee Moen introduced the report and seconded the recommendation therein, viz: Additional Versions of Long Term Accommodation Plan (Motion by Trustee Lange, substituting for Trustee Libbey, seconded by Trustee Moen) THAT staff draft for consideration by Trustees, a Request for Proposal asking C.N. Watson and Associates Limited to prepare additional versions of the Long Term Accommodation Plan that would incorporate specific assumptions that the board will define, such as "what if' scenarios related to enrolment projections, the 90% assumption inside the Greenbelt, functional capacities, cash flow assumptions, etc. Trustee Spice noted that the Committee had a good discussion related to elementary schools and requested that a discussion of secondary schools be added to a future Business Services Committee agenda. In response to a query, Superintendent Turriff advised that staff would work with C.N. Watson and Associates to determine a deadline for a response to the Request for Proposal (RFP). In response to queries, Superintendent Clarke noted that the preparation and evaluation of the RFP would be funded from the Board's operating funds. Trustee Jackson expressed the view that the Board should not invest additional funds in the process as the data generated from the software is not reliable or valid. Trustee Lange expressed the view that, at this point, the investment is not large and options should be considered. At the request of Trustee Jackson, a recorded vote was held and the recommendation was approved on the following division: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Lange, Libbey, Sheryl MacDonald Moen and Spice (7) -220- 6 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AGAINST: Trustees Jackson and Norm MacDonald ABSTENTIONS: Nil 276. Report No. 1, Committee of the Whole (Budget) 23 May 2002 MINUTES 10 June 2002 On a motion by Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Gifford, the Board received Report, No. 1, Committee of the Whole (Budget), dated 23 May 2002. The recommendation from the report was approved at the Special Board meeting held on 24 May 2002. 277. Receipt of Report No. 5, Human Resources Committee 3 June 2002 On a motion by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Norm MacDonald, the Board received Report No. 5, Human Resources Committee, dated 3 June 2002. There were no recommendations in the report. 278. Board and Committee Meeting Calendar The Board had before it Report No. 02 -116, presenting a schedule of Board and Committee meetings for the period July 2002 to December 2002. Trustee Norm MacDonald, seconded by Trustee Gifford, moved as follows: THAT the Board and Committee Meeting Calendar for the period July 2002 to the end of December 2002, be approved, subject to changes for individual meetings as may be required during the school year. The motion was carried. Note: Staff will confirm the date for the September Education Committee meeting 279. Reconsideration, Trustee Graham - Reinstatement of Administrative Time in Secondary Schools Notice having been given, Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, moved THAT the Board reconsider the following motion, approved as part of the 2002/03 budget at the 24 May 2002 Special Board meeting: THAT the number of secondary vice - principal positions be reduced by 4.0 FTE (350,000 reference 02 -26 in the Budget Binder) Trustee Graham noted that since passing the motion, the Board is now aware of the impact of the reduction and that concern is being expressed across the system. -221- (2) (0) • ML OTfAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 In response to trustee queries regarding the impact of Trustee Graham's proposed amendment, should reconsideration be approved, staff confirmed that secondary school principals have staffed for the fall, but could not confirm that the changes would violate the collective agreement. Trustee Spice expressed support for reconsideration and expressed the view that the changes could be made conditionally to prevent any violation of the collective agreement. Trustee Scott noted that the substantial implementation of the approved motion would normally prevent reconsideration. She expressed the view that the issue should be reviewed at a later date as there are a number of factors that should be considered. Trustee Moen expressed some concern with the method of implementing the reduction, but did not support making changes at this time. In wrap -up, Trustee Graham commented that any proposed changes to the motion could include a proviso that they would not be made if they violate the existing collective agreement. At the request of Trustee Graham, a recorded vote was held and reconsideration of the motion was approved on the following division: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Libbey, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald and Spice (6) AGAINST: Trustees Jackson, Lange, Morse and Scott (4) ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Laurenceson and Moen (2) Trustee Graham, seconded by Trustee Gifford, moved the following amendment: Whereas trustees approved the staff recommendation to reduce, for the 2002 -2003 school year, the number of secondary vice - principal positions (folio 02 -26 in Budget Binder); Whereas the specifics regarding the implementation of the reduction had not been worked out at that time; Whereas it was later learned that: "Beginning in September 2002, every secondary school with two vice - principals will be reduced by .17 FTE administrative time. In addition, the five largest secondary schools, excluding Beacon Schools, will be reduced by a further .17 FTE administrative time." (Director's memo of May 2, 2002 to Trustees); Whereas this means that the board is making the biggest reduction in administrative time in the schools where there is already the greatest administrative workload; Whereas there is real concern on the part of the Ottawa - Carleton Secondary School Administrators' Network ( OCSSAN) that any reduction in administration in the secondary schools will mean "...we will no longer have the same human resources to adequately respond to the needs of the children in our schools." (letter from Co- Chairs of OCSSAN dated May 8, 2002 to the Chair); -222- 6 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 Whereas one of the many concerns referred to in the OCSSAN letter is school safety (same letter from OCSSAN); Whereas a number of the school councils at schools receiving a disproportionate reduction have expressed real concern about the serious negative impact of this decision; Whereas all budget cuts have negative consequences, but particularly those directly affecting the ability of school administrators to manage their schools; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: A. THAT the administrative time at Bell, Canterbury, Glebe, Merivale and South Carleton Secondary Schools be increased by. 17 FTE so that their administrative time is equivalent to the administrative time at all other secondary schools with two vice - principals; B. THAT the financial offset be found in the budgets (reference Budget Binder) for the Director of Education and Secretary of the Board (folio 08 -33) and/or Superintendents (folio 08 -35) and/or Program/Staff Development Divisions (folios 002 -04 &002 -05); and C. THAT a report on the proposed reductions be submitted by staff to the Board for approval. Trustee Graham noted that the double reduction is taking place in schools with the largest administrative workload and expressed the view that it seems inequitable to target the larger schools. She reiterated that no changes would be made if they would result in a violation of the collective agreement. Trustee Spice, seconded by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald, moved in sub - amendment: THAT the secondary school vice - principal reductions approved in the budget be reinstated, with the understanding that there are no violations of the collective agreement or that the federation agrees to the change. Director Grieve remarked that it would be difficult to find funding for a change of that magnitude and that reductions in other areas would be required. He noted that a change at this time could jeopardize the Board's credibility with the Ministry. In response to a query by Trustee Spice, Superintendent Mason explained that an additional $350,000 reduction of the Staff Development Department budget would result in a significant loss of release time. Superintendent Clarke noted that release time now comprises over 50% of the Staff Development Department budget. In response to trustee queries with respect to the additional staff proposed reductions in the Staff Development and Program areas, Superintendent Mason explained that the recommendations were put forward with great reluctance. He noted that the recommendations will result in the reduction of positions in the departments and while senior staff acknowledge the negative impact, it is understood that central reductions are sometimes required. -223- 1. ' 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 Trustee Scott remarked that if the Board cannot provide good programs, it will negatively impact students across the system. Trustee Sheryl MacDonald expressed support for the sub - amendment, noting that she does not normally support reductions to staff development, but was influenced by the staff recommendation for additional reductions. Trustees speaking against the sub - amendment noted that unfortunately all reductions have a negative impact on the system and that constant revisions to the budget undermine the Board's credibility and threaten arguments for additional funding. Student Trustee Somberger expressed the view that changes at this time would not be in the best interest of students as they are looking to the Board for stability. At the request of Trustee Spice, a recorded vote was held and the sub - amendment was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustees Graham, Norm MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald and Spice AGAINST: Trustees Gifford, Jackson, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, Moen, Morse and Scott ABSTENTIONS: Nil Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Spice, moved in sub - amendment: THAT "if it can be done without violating the collective agreement or with the agreement of the federation." be added to Part A of Trustee Graham's amendment. On a point of order, Trustee Morse expressed the view that the sub - amendment was out of order as it was identical to the one just defeated. Chair Libbey ruled that the previous sub - amendment was related to the complete reinstatement of all secondary vice - principal positions and ruled the sub - amendment in order. Trustee Morse challenged the Chair and the ruling of the Chair was upheld. At the request of Trustee Moen, a recorded vote was held and the sub - amendment was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Gifford, Graham, Libbey, Sheryl MacDonald, Moen and Spice AGAINST: Trustees Jackson, Laurenceson, Morse and Scott ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Lange and Norm MacDonald Trustee Moen, seconded by Trustee Graham, moved in sub - amendment THAT Part A be revised as follows: IW*ZlE (4) (8) (0) (6) (4) (2) 0 ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES 10 June 2002 A. THAT the administrative time at Earl of March, Hillcrest, Lisgar, Nepean and Sir Robert Borden Secondary Schools be increased by .17 FTE so that their administrative time is equivalent to the administrative time at all other secondary schools with two vice - principals; Trustee Moen noted that these schools are medium to large schools with more homogeneous populations and changing the schools involved would not require a change to the estimates. Trustees speaking against the motion noted that sub - amendment would result in disruption at ten schools instead of five. Student Trustee Sornberger reiterated his concern that the perceived stability of the Board is important to students. At the request of Trustee Moen, a recorded vote was held and the sub - amendment was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustee Moen (1) AGAINST: Trustees Jackson, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, Morse Scott and Spice (7) ABSTENTION: Trustee Graham (1) In wrap -up Trustee Graham advised that she brought the motion forward because the issue of reduced administrative time is crucial to large schools such as Glebe and others which are enduring a double reduction. At the request of Trustee Graham, a recorded vote was held and the amendment was defeated on the following division: FOR: Trustee Graham (1) AGAINST: Trustees Jackson, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, Moen, Morse and Scott (7) ABSTENTION: Trustee Spice (1) At the request of Trustee Graham, a recorded vote was held and the main motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Jackson, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, Moen, Morse Scott and Spice (g) AGAINST: Trustee Graham (1) ABSTENTIONS: Nil (0) -225- • ML OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD In summary, the Board re- confirmed the following motion: MINUTES 10 June 2002 THAT the number of secondary vice - principal positions be reduced by 4.0 FTE ($350,000 reference 02 -026 in Budget Binder) A motion to adjourn by Trustee Morse, seconded by Trustee Jackson, was defeated. 280. Exception to Transportation Policy re Licensed Day Care Facilities Notice having been given, Trustee Moen moved as follows: Whereas in the past, the Board from time to time has made specific exceptions to the transportation policy for the purpose of allowing stops to be created at licensed day care facilities, which were outside the catchment areas of the schools they serve, or which are within the walking distances established by Board policy, A. THAT an exception be made to the transportation policy to allow a stop to be created at the Beacon Learning Centre to provide yellow bus transportation to students attending Robert Hopkins PS and Le Phare PS. B. THAT the matter of transportation to child care facilities be referred to the Business Services Committee for discussion and possible recommendations. In response to a query, staff confirmed that there would be no additional costs to the Board. Trustees speaking against the motion expressed the view that organized daycare centres would be given preferential treatment with respect to transportation and door to door service. A motion by Trustee Morse to defer this issue to 24 June Board meeting failed for lack of a seconder. Trustee Morse requested that staff provide the cost implications of door to door service for all daycare providers. Trustee Moen pointed out that the Beacon Learning Centre is a non - profit organization in risk of closure if it loses a significant portion of its revenues provided by the parents of students attending L.D. Billings PS or Le Phare PS. The Centre's ten employees would lose their jobs and the Board would potentially lose market share as parents could choose to send their children to other boards. He noted that the Board could assist in this area without incurring any additional cost. At the request of Trustee Graham, a recorded vote was held and the motion was carried on the following division: FOR: Trustees Graham, Lange, Laurenceson, Libbey, and Moen (5) AGAINST: Trustee Morse and Scott (2) ABSTENTIONS: Trustees Jackson and Spice (2) -226- 0 ML OTTAWA- CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 281. OPSBA Report There was no report from the Board's OPSBA representatives. MINUTES 10 June 2002 282. New Business Trustee Morse gave notice that she may bring forward a motion requesting similar transportation services for all daycares within the Board's jurisdiction. 283. Report No. 16, Committee of the Whole (in camera) (continued) As previously agreed in Committee of the Whole (in camera), the Board resolved into Committee of the Whole (in camera) at 1:00 a.m. to complete the agenda. Trustee Graham presented Report No. 16, Committee of the Whole (in camera) (continued), and seconded the recommendation therein, viz: a) Director of Education - Staffing Process (Motion by Trustee Scott, seconded by Trustee Graham) A. THAT staff be directed to contact the three known education specialist executive search firms, including the one used recently by the Toronto Board, requesting a speedy summary of available services and rates; and B. THAT a Special Board meeting be convened as soon as possible to decide on an executive search firm to select a new Director of Education. b). Staffing Issue ssue (Motion by Trustee Jackson, seconded by Trustee Graham) THAT the Board proceed on a staffing issue as directed in Committee of the Whole (in camera). The meeting adjourned at 2:15 a.m. James P. Grieve, Director of Education/ Secretary of the Board baf/bdminutes- 10June02.doc -227- Jim Libbey Chair of the Board • t� a PC